While swimming pools require regular care, the benefits they provide are worth the work. But pools can do more than let you swim a few laps. They can be the social center of your home or a serene spot to unwind in.
It’s now possible to take your average backyard pool and turn it into the ultimate hangout. And that doesn’t have to include extensive and expensive renovations. Here’s how to move your swimming pool from plain to perfect.
Determine What Type of Atmosphere You Want
Think about the atmosphere you want to experience when you sit by or in your pool. Do you think the area should be lively and colorful? Calm and quiet? Are you more interested in therapeutic features that could help you feel better after work?
You don’t want to add random features because they sound good. You want everything you add to be something you’ll use or appreciate for the life of the pool.
Also think about how far you want to go with the renovation. Maybe you want just a few fun features like a slide and a swim-up bar where you and your friends can chat while in the water. Or, maybe you want to make the pool into a spectacular swimming area with a waterfall and an infinity edge if you have a view. Once you know what direction you want to go in, start consulting pool installers to get more specific ideas.
Power Grids and the Pool
Another consideration is whether you want the additions to have power. For example, customizable lighting lets you set the mood around the pool when the sun goes down. Some lights need only small solar cells, but others need to be connected to the power supply. You can get smart features for pools now, too.
If you add a non-solar fountain or outdoor TV, you’d have to connect those to your home’s electrical grid. Additions like these could require installing a subpanel, which you’ll have to prepare for when creating your renovation budget. Plus, your utility bills will increase.
That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t add features that require power. It’s only a reminder that the choices you make for the pool now will affect your life in the months and years to come. You need to take all of that into consideration as you draw up plans for the pool.
Moving Water or Calm Shelter
One more issue to think about is whether you want additions that move water. Fountains are a typical example, but there are also bubblers, waterfalls and deck jets. All of these options come in many different styles.
These features are marvelous additions if you want to create a calm zone. The sound of the water trickling out of a fountain or running down a decorative rock face helps with relaxation. If constantly trickling water is not your style, there are variations that allow you to shut off the water whenever you leave the pool area. Some fountains even have timers if you prefer automatic shut-offs.
Achieve Your Dream Pool
If you’re dissatisfied with how your pool looks now, you have plenty of ways to upgrade. It’s a good idea to contact a few pool installers and discuss options. But you don’t have to wait for those consultations to start thinking now about what you could do in the future. If you live in Hillsborough, NJ or a surrounding area and need pool renovation services, make your first call to S&R Pool & Spa.